poikanen

Poikanen is a Finnish word that translates to "youngster" or "cub" in English. It is most commonly used to refer to the young of certain animal species, particularly mammals. The term carries a sense of endearment and vulnerability associated with young animals.

The usage of poikanen is generally specific to the offspring of animals like bears (karhunpoikanen), foxes (ketunpoikanen), or seals (hylkeenpoikanen). It implies a stage of development where the young animal is still dependent on its mother and is learning to survive. While the literal translation can be "cub," it is not exclusively used for felines.

In broader, more informal contexts, poikanen can also be used to refer to a young human child, similar to how "little one" or "kiddo" might be used in English. However, this usage is less common and depends heavily on the tone and familiarity between speakers. The primary and most established meaning of poikanen remains tied to the young of wild animals. The word evokes imagery of nature and the continuation of animal life cycles.